Map showing campground location near Annapolis, Missouri

Camper submitted image from Bearcat Getaway

Bearcat Getaway

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available at Bearcat Getaway, an established campground along the Black River in Annapolis, Missouri, where sites run $0 to $12 per night and electric and water hookups are on hand for RVs. Access comes via car, boat, or on foot. The road has drawn some complaints about ruts, so drivers with low-clearance vehicles should plan accordingly.

The Black River is the main draw here. Hayden H. notes "Black river access on site," and multiple reviewers confirm a beach area where campers can watch float trips pass. Group sites are large and mostly shaded. Firewood is included with site rental, and ice is available on-site for $2.50. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent, so download maps and any navigation before arriving.

Weekend nights shift the atmosphere considerably. Live music plays on a stage, and the noise carries across the campground until quiet hours kick in. Campers who prefer a lower-key stay tend to book sites as far from the stage as possible, or visit on weekdays. Facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, a small store, a playground, and a dump station. A Saturday night dinner option has drawn positive mentions from reviewers who wanted to skip meal planning.

Bear Creek Campground sits just 0.2 miles south, and Riversedge Campground is 1.8 miles north, giving paddlers and floaters multiple base options along this stretch of river. Cancellation policies here are strict, so confirm the terms before booking, especially around festival weekends.

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Map & DirectionsBearcat Getaway is located in Missouri near Annapolis

Private Campground

Coordinates

37.40281459 N
90.81976718 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group
Cabins
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+15736372264

Drive Time

1 hr 45 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
1 hr 56 min from St. Louis, MO
2 hrs 41 min from Jefferson City, MO
2 hrs 46 min from Jonesboro, AR

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Bearcat Getaway

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted large shaded sites with river access, decent facilities, and weekend entertainment. Some concerns about noise levels during events and strict cancellation policies were noted.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Rob

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2025

Poor experience

I Reserved a camp site for$150 3 days before the festival. I called to cancel and they said it wasn’t 8 days before then they canceled it without refund and they gave up our campsite and said we couldn’t come. They were really rude on the phone. Rednecks are poor businessmen we offered to switch to the next week now they have a chargeback F-

Hayden H.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2022

Great camp with Black River access

Great campsites, elec available no dump and community water only. Black river access on site. Firewood included with site rental. Ice is only $2.50. No cell service

Site7

Month of VisitJuly

Amber M.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 24, 2021

Great place to stay. Hope they keep it that way when it reopens.

Nice beach, chill atmosphere, great staff. Live music on the weekends. Hope to see it open again in 2022 with the only thing changed being improvement to the shower house.

Sean B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 24, 2019

Hit all the party float essentials

Staff was friendly, knowledgeable of the area, and worked with us when we had multiple changes to our reservation. Their Saturday night dinner was on point and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to save yourself the planning, cooler space, and cleanup. The float was on clear water and had plenty of gravel bars to enjoy. Only draw backs were some of the ruts in the road and spotty electric at the sites (which they did reimburse us for). I've been to fancier float/camping outfitters, but this was perfect for a fun weekend getaway. The live music was good and quiet hours were respected (which was appreciated after a long day of day drinking).

Jennifer G.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 30, 2019

Nice float, but evening can be party central

Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by in as well! Group sites and were pretty large and mostly shady. This place is lit up fast after dark! Large stage with live music becomes a big party. In my younger days this was a blast! Now I opt for a site as far away from the stage as possible and do not bring my children here lol. Nice facilities, no real complaints. I bet weekdays are a lot more serene.

Month of VisitJune

Chrissy W.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Really nice campground on the black river

I totally recommend this place ! It’s really nice place and the owners were really nice. We had a whole entire camp area to ourselves ! It’s right on the river. They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed.

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Melody B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

A good time for adults!

They have live music and food every weekend, sometimes it can get a little loud so if quiet camping is what you prefer, some sites may not be for you. The float trips on the black river are amazing! It's a good place to go with a large group.

SiteC

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Bearcat Getaway campground in Lesterville?

Bearcat Getaway offers a lively camping experience with live music and food on weekends. The campground features a beach area on the Black River, group sites with shade, a small store, playground, and bathroom facilities with hot showers. Electric hookups are available, though there's no dump station. The atmosphere can get quite energetic after dark with a stage for live entertainment. While perfect for groups seeking a social experience, those wanting quiet camping might find certain sites too noisy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Amenities include community water access, and firewood is included with site rental. Note that cell service is not available.

What are the prices for camping at Bearcat Getaway?

Bearcat Getaway is known for affordable camping rates. While specific prices vary by site type and season, campsite rental includes firewood, which adds value. Ice is available for purchase at $2.50. Electric hookups are offered at an additional cost. For current rates and reservation policies, contact the campground directly as prices may have changed. Group sites are available for larger parties at different price points.

What float trips are available from Bearcat Getaway on the Black River?

Bearcat Getaway offers excellent float trips on the Black River directly from the property. The clear waters of the Black River provide a refreshing experience with plenty of scenic spots along the way. The campground has river access on-site, making it convenient to start and end your float trip. Visitors particularly enjoy the cool water and the beach area where you can relax and watch other floaters pass by. The staff can help organize your float trip based on your preferences and group size. These trips are especially popular for larger groups looking for a fun outdoor activity.

How do I find Bearcat Getaway campground in Lesterville, Missouri?

Bearcat Getaway is located in Lesterville, Missouri, along the Black River. Since there's no cell service at the campground, it's advisable to download directions beforehand or use a physical map. The campground is situated right on the river, making it easy to identify once you're in the Lesterville area. For specific directions from your starting point, contact the campground directly or check their official website. Be prepared for limited navigation assistance once you get close to the property due to the lack of cellular coverage in the area.

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